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Setting up 40 acres for hunting
#8678506
09/01/22 11:20 AM
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Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 5,926
angus1956
OP
THF Trophy Hunter
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OP
THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 5,926 |
Ok I'm no deer expert but how many blinds/stands for hunting 40 acres should I put up.
My place is mostly wooded and to the north & east there are 200-300 acre places that are wooded with no homes/people.
Any time of the day I can drive my SXS outback and jump some does. I have one feeder up and when it goes off there are always 5-6 does & fawns there. We do want one feeder 100 yards + behind the house so we can watch them. Thanks
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Re: Setting up 40 acres for hunting
[Re: angus1956]
#8678510
09/01/22 11:29 AM
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Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 6,032
tlk
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 6,032 |
If you are rifle hunting you probably need to have any stands towards the interior of the property so as to not be shooting into a neighbors property. Depending on the layout I would have at the most 2 blinds (and that would even make me nervous) -
You can't fix stupid
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Re: Setting up 40 acres for hunting
[Re: angus1956]
#8678514
09/01/22 11:40 AM
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Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 14,950
don k
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 14,950 |
One blind right in the middle of it. The neighbors will be happy and so will the deer.
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Re: Setting up 40 acres for hunting
[Re: angus1956]
#8678531
09/01/22 12:08 PM
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Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 82
GaryRI
Outdoorsman
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Outdoorsman
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 82 |
Use common sense and put up a couple of them thinking about the shooting back drops. I have 10 acres in Bandera in a subdivided ranch. All the parcels are about 10 acres and everyone has at least one feeder. I have one on mine & and only shoot with a suppressor to keep things reasonably quiet and not amp up the neighbors.
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Re: Setting up 40 acres for hunting
[Re: angus1956]
#8678553
09/01/22 12:39 PM
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 907
Erich
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 907 |
just one well placed and in the interior. if you really had to have an additional stand you maybe could squeeze it in being real careful about shooting directions but the two would be so close together that the would heavily compete with each other. you'd just be running twice the feed to the same animals.
Outdoorsman
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Re: Setting up 40 acres for hunting
[Re: angus1956]
#8678616
09/01/22 02:03 PM
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Joined: May 2012
Posts: 495
fishbait
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 495 |
My question is what deer density do you have? Most places that are divided into 40 acre tracks devastate a deer herd. Just your place alone with two blinds mean you plan to take at least two deer...at this rate there could be 5 deer /100 acres or a deer per 20 acres. Everything should depend on the deer density. There are places overloaded with deer and they could take 8 deer and higher per 10 acres. My plan would include P&W to get a density and a recommendation how many to harvest. However, this is your land and if you had enough hunters you have the right to take as many legal bucks as you wanted and you could take as many does as you want during doe days. In time you could wipe out the herd. Now to address safety: Extreme care should be priority for safety for you and your group, and for your neighbors. Only you and you alone can make that decision. Good Luck!
Wished I had 40 acres.
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Re: Setting up 40 acres for hunting
[Re: angus1956]
#8678617
09/01/22 02:04 PM
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Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 10,457
DQ Kid
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 10,457 |
I own under 75 acres and run one primary spot and one secondary one should I have a guest with me...Often I'm seeing same deer feeding daily at both so agree with that.
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Re: Setting up 40 acres for hunting
[Re: angus1956]
#8678641
09/01/22 02:35 PM
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Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,426
freerange
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,426 |
One feeder. But you actually asked about stands, so put as many of those as you want.
Last edited by freerange; 09/01/22 02:37 PM.
At some point in life its time to quit chasing the pot of gold and just enjoy the rainbow. FR Keep your gratitude higher than your expectations. RWH
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Re: Setting up 40 acres for hunting
[Re: angus1956]
#8678678
09/01/22 03:13 PM
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Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 12,861
PMK
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 12,861 |
I own 32+ acres covered in mostly cedar, elm, black walnut and oaks that has a ~40 deep ravine across the back that is a sideways V shape opening to a small field. I have 3 hunting locations that are all situated where you aren't shooting towards the other spots and elevated where across the fence isn't an issue. I have 4-5 feeders, 1-2 for each spot ... but we haven't tried to take a deer there for about 8 years as I have it in a wildlife improvement exemption for turkey, song birds and small animal habitat, only hogs taken.
It all depends on the lay of your land, density of cover, density of game, etc. and what are your intensions for taking game. Small acreage can be set up but needs to have safety at the number one goal.
"everyone that lives dies but not everyone who dies lived..."
~PMK~
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Re: Setting up 40 acres for hunting
[Re: angus1956]
#8678682
09/01/22 03:17 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,655
bigdavehunting
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,655 |
Whats your Plan ? Who and How many are going to hunt? Is it bow hunting or rifle hunting ? Are you leasing it? or Are you planning on it just being you? More information needed to answer your question correctly. If it is just you two stands maybe. if your leasing or letting others hunt 1.
Last edited by bigdavehunting; 09/01/22 03:22 PM. Reason: bow or Rifle
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Re: Setting up 40 acres for hunting
[Re: angus1956]
#8678714
09/01/22 03:56 PM
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Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,331
Dave Scott
Pro Tracker
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Depends on whether the wind always blows in the same direction. Getting into the stand, you don't want to cross where a deer would come in. Off hand, I'd probably put up 2. Question, if you are in the middle- wouldn't the shot them be headed toward a neighbor? If you are on the edge of your property and the feeder. etc. in the center- wouldn't that be safer for the neighbors? Off hand- that's what I'd do but I may be wrong. I defer to those more knowledgeable.
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Re: Setting up 40 acres for hunting
[Re: don k]
#8678736
09/01/22 04:21 PM
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 9,794
ILUVBIGBUCKS
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 9,794 |
1 stand or 2 at the most and if rifle hunting be sure to position them where a missed shot would not cross your property line.
I also agree with the poster that said to keep the stands off the property lines and out of sight of your neighbors. It is just the best thing to do if possible.
High fence, low fence, no fence, it really doesn't matter as long as you're hunting!
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Re: Setting up 40 acres for hunting
[Re: PMK]
#8678740
09/01/22 04:24 PM
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 9,794
ILUVBIGBUCKS
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 9,794 |
I own 32+ acres covered in mostly cedar, elm, black walnut and oaks that has a ~40 deep ravine across the back that is a sideways V shape opening to a small field. I have 3 hunting locations that are all situated where you aren't shooting towards the other spots and elevated where across the fence isn't an issue. I have 4-5 feeders, 1-2 for each spot ... but we haven't tried to take a deer there for about 8 years as I have it in a wildlife improvement exemption for turkey, song birds and small animal habitat, only hogs taken.
It all depends on the lay of your land, density of cover, density of game, etc. and what are your intensions for taking game. Small acreage can be set up but needs to have safety at the number one goal. Wow Seems like a lot for just 32 acres no matter where you are located or what the situation is. I have 32.5 acres with 1 stand in the middle and have killed a total of 5 deer in 13 seasons from it and 4 of them are on the wall and the other was a horrible cull buck.
High fence, low fence, no fence, it really doesn't matter as long as you're hunting!
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Re: Setting up 40 acres for hunting
[Re: angus1956]
#8678747
09/01/22 04:31 PM
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Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 5,926
angus1956
OP
THF Trophy Hunter
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OP
THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 5,926 |
No neighbors to the north & east both tracks are 200-300 acers. No feeders or stands will be on any fence line. Mostly bow, crossbow hunting and maybe 1-2 rifle hunters. It will be a family hunting place will not be leased. There are 6 does and fawns at the feeder daily. I'll only be hunting shooter bucks so not a lot of deer will be shot. Thanks for the help.
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Re: Setting up 40 acres for hunting
[Re: angus1956]
#8678970
09/01/22 09:13 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,655
bigdavehunting
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
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Posts: 1,655 |
With this information I would put up 1 rifle stand 6x6 for 2 hunters to sit together they would be over looking two feeders in opposite directions 100 to 125 yrds from the blind. I would set up 1 bow blind on each feeder that away you could hunt 2 bow hunters at a time or 2 rifle hunters out of the one box blind. Any more than that would be acident looking to happen. Thats my opinion and is worth what its worth because it is a Free opinion
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Re: Setting up 40 acres for hunting
[Re: bigdavehunting]
#8678990
09/01/22 09:41 PM
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Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 5,926
angus1956
OP
THF Trophy Hunter
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OP
THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 5,926 |
With this information I would put up 1 rifle stand 6x6 for 2 hunters to sit together they would be over looking two feeders in opposite directions 100 to 125 yrds from the blind. I would set up 1 bow blind on each feeder that away you could hunt 2 bow hunters at a time or 2 rifle hunters out of the one box blind. Any more than that would be acident looking to happen. Thats my opinion and is worth what its worth because it is a Free opinion I'm liking this suggestion.
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Re: Setting up 40 acres for hunting
[Re: angus1956]
#8679028
09/01/22 10:21 PM
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Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,771
P_102
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
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Posts: 3,771 |
Drop 15 acres of the woods, dig a nice 2-3 acre tank and include bass/crappie habitat, (catfish don’t need any), make sure of a clean bank. Then plant 3-4 acres of sunflowers with some dove weed mixed in……oh yeah, thirsty deer will come to the water.
Do not trifle in the affairs of dragons, for thou art crunchy and taste good with ketchup.
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Re: Setting up 40 acres for hunting
[Re: angus1956]
#8679039
09/01/22 10:32 PM
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 12,256
deerfeeder
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 12,256 |
If you have trigger happy neighbors don't get your hopes up for a 160+ buck. Get a count of what you have as best you can. When I was guiding the rule of thumb was one buck for every 500 acres. YMMV. Unfortunately you cannot control the surrounding properties, but you probably ought to meet with them, if possible and work things like wounded deer crossing the lines, before the season.
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Re: Setting up 40 acres for hunting
[Re: angus1956]
#8679065
09/01/22 11:14 PM
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Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 516
Whammer7
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: Jun 2019
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I have a bit over 40 acres with lots of cover and no house. I have a corn feeder on a timer and a protein feeder on opposite ends of a 2 person stand set in the middle of the parcel. The parcel is roughly box shaped. I have another stand 40 yards or so off of one of the fence lines. We really only hunt the central stand. Sometimes guests have set up pop up blinds here and there as the other feeders serve to attract the deer into the property.
We have been killing does very heavily, in part because there is an obvious buck/doe imbalance in the area and I like seeing live big bucks. Getting a handle on your deer densities in your general area is a good idea. In my area, I joined the local Wildlife Management Association where they provide some qualified advice based on deer surveys taken in the area. Use that as a guide as to how aggressive you aught to be in the harvest.
Good luck this year!
"Sometimes, too much to drink is barely enough"
Mark Twain
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Re: Setting up 40 acres for hunting
[Re: angus1956]
#8679074
09/01/22 11:29 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,057
ChrisB
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,057 |
I'd set up a north wind and south wind bow stand. Probably put one on a feeder and the other on a path to a feeder and just chum it. One rifle stand is about all that sounds safe unless the geography of the land allows another.
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Re: Setting up 40 acres for hunting
[Re: angus1956]
#8679156
09/02/22 01:42 AM
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Joined: May 2017
Posts: 5,189
Smokey Bear
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 5,189 |
With this information I would put up 1 rifle stand 6x6 for 2 hunters to sit together they would be over looking two feeders in opposite directions 100 to 125 yrds from the blind. I would set up 1 bow blind on each feeder that away you could hunt 2 bow hunters at a time or 2 rifle hunters out of the one box blind. Any more than that would be acident looking to happen. Thats my opinion and is worth what its worth because it is a Free opinion I'm liking this suggestion. Be cautious of your back drop with this setup. 40 acres is 440 yards by 440 yards. A feeder 125 yards from the center of the property leaves the neighbors property 115 yards beyond your feeder. That is dangerously close to be shooting towards.
Smokey Bear---Lone Star State.
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Re: Setting up 40 acres for hunting
[Re: angus1956]
#8679220
09/02/22 02:42 AM
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 28,019
skinnerback
THF Celebrity Chef
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THF Celebrity Chef
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 28,019 |
On a smaller property I am a firm believer in setting your blind/blinds up ON the fence line and shooting INTO your property, unless you build berms or brush piles to make sure bullets don't leave your property. Not hard to make a safe shot. I like to make sure there are only windows facing my property, but some neighbors will bitch anyway because that's what they do. I've legally killed deer on 11 acres and 4 acres, common since is important. Getting elevated and shooting down into the ground etc.....You have a nice piece of heaven, enjoy it and put some meat on the table.
Always slugs & buckshot too.
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Re: Setting up 40 acres for hunting
[Re: skinnerback]
#8679257
09/02/22 03:04 AM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,655
bigdavehunting
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,655 |
On a smaller property I am a firm believer in setting your blind/blinds up ON the fence line and shooting INTO your property, unless you build berms or brush piles to make sure bullets don't leave your property. Not hard to make a safe shot. I like to make sure there are only windows facing my property, but some neighbors will bitch anyway because that's what they do. I've legally killed deer on 11 acres and 4 acres, common since is important. Getting elevated and shooting down into the ground etc.....You have a nice piece of heaven, enjoy it and put some meat on the table.
Always slugs & buckshot too. Ok I know better to get involved with this but curiosity is getting the best of me. What county and what choice of weapon are you using to hunt on 4 acres?
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Re: Setting up 40 acres for hunting
[Re: angus1956]
#8679373
09/02/22 11:19 AM
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Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 6,170
Jimbo
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 6,170 |
I haven't read all the posts, but if the land is in Texas, stay low key! Too much shooting, and visible signs of stands and feeders get a lot of properties high fenced off by angry neighbors.
Thursday at 12:45 PM #33 Once i learned that i didn't "NEED" to kill something, and that if i did kill something all the fun stopped and work began, i was a much better hunter.
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Re: Setting up 40 acres for hunting
[Re: skinnerback]
#8679408
09/02/22 12:21 PM
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Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 1,124
Pootie
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 1,124 |
On a smaller property I am a firm believer in setting your blind/blinds up ON the fence line and shooting INTO your property, unless you build berms or brush piles to make sure bullets don't leave your property. Not hard to make a safe shot. I like to make sure there are only windows facing my property, but some neighbors will bitch anyway because that's what they do. I've legally killed deer on 11 acres and 4 acres, common since is important. Getting elevated and shooting down into the ground etc.....You have a nice piece of heaven, enjoy it and put some meat on the table.
Always slugs & buckshot too. Blinds elevated near the fence lines with no windows/obviously blocked windows toward neighbors (if visible from other side of the fence) so you are obviously hunting/shooting your property only. A lot depends on fence line cover and current game trails. Also shape of property should be considered.. not all 40 acre plots are square. YMMV
Last edited by Pootie; 09/02/22 12:24 PM.
If you find yourself feeling useless, remember it took 20 years, trillions of dollars, and four presidents to replace the Taliban with the Taliban.
Sometimes the Universe puts you in the same situation again to see if you’re still a dumbass.
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